WISE — Virginia-Wise is now just one step from being a full NCAA Division II member.

The Cavaliers have been approved for their provisional year in the D-II membership process, the college announced Friday.

"At UVa-Wise, our pursuit of NCAA Division II status has afforded us the opportunity to improve our strategies in athletics," Chancellor Donna Henry said in a release. "Our student-athletes are successful on the field and in the classroom. I am proud of the UVa-Wise athletics department staff for their commitment to becoming a full NCAA Division II member and for making such a smooth transition throughout the process."

A successful provisional year would allow Virginia-Wise to become a full NCAA member for the 2015-16 academic year. Per NCAA guidelines, the provisional year requires the school to function like a D-II institution, adhering to all NCAA rules and regulations, including recruiting and other compliance guidelines.

"The membership committee's decision to move us into the provisional year is a testament to all the hard work of the coaches, students, staff in the athletic department and the many people involved across campus," athletic director Danny Sterling said.

The Cavaliers will begin their second season as members of the Mountain East Conference this fall. The school recently started a women's lacrosse team and the program will compete in the MEC this spring. In addition to women's lacrosse, the college fields teams in men's and women's basketball, football, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country, volleyball, and men's and women's tennis.

"The Mountain East Conference is thrilled to congratulate the University of Virginia's College at Wise for its advancement to the provisional year of the NCAA Division II candidacy process," said MEC Commissioner Reid Amos. "UVa-Wise has diligently tackled every expectation of the NCAA membership process and is making every effort to become a model Division II athletics department. UVa-Wise has a terrific combination of outstanding facilities and programs led by outstanding people, which has made it a terrific fit with the Mountain East. We look forward to continuing to support UVa-Wise as it takes the final steps toward becoming an active NCAA Division II member over the next 12 months."

The Cavs will kick off the athletic season on Sept. 4 when Union College visits the Prior Center for a volleyball match.